Maritime de Luna Join TGC New sletter Archive Mere Mortals Group Training Calendar Contact Duathlon February 27, 2014 Dear Evan, Triathlon season is just around the corner. Many of our members are busy setting up their 2014 race schedule, while others are preparing themselves mentally and physically to complete their first triathlon. TGC has a unique blend of membership, from the well-seasoned triathlete to the up-and-coming newbie. This mix of experience is something each member can benefit from. The new triathlete gaining knowledge from the experienced and the veteran gaining enthusiasm from the new energy. That's what makes TGC so successful, each one of us feels welcome and excited about the sport of triathlon. Your TGC Board has made some great headway this Winter on "business" projects (definetly not fun stuff). The TGC Board has officially approved our first set of Bylaws on February 12, 2014. These Bylaws contain a legal description of the club, how it is organized, and how it should operate. It assures that TGC will grow in a healthy direction. As TGC continues to gain momentum (currently 325+ members strong) it is important that these Bylaws guide us in the years to come. TGC has also moved forward with changing the club tax status to a 501c3, which is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. After much research, TGC has decided that this status will have many benefits, especially as we have ventured into conducting Youth Multisport Events, where we ask for sponsorship from organizations which typically prefer to make a tax-deductible donation. So, enough with this business mumbo jumbo, it had to be done and we did it! Don't forget about the exciting things TGC has going this March. This Newsletter is packed with information about activities for everyone. Just to list a few: The DeLuna Duathlon for the young athlete, TGC membership party, indoor group spin sessions hosted by Running Wild, XTERRA wetsuit fitting, TGC group ride, and West Florida Wheelman events. This is just the start of a busy season. Don't be shy, TGC is YOUR club and we welcome everyone with open arms. Yours in Triathlon, TGC Leadership USAT Recognizes TGC Members HUGE congratulations to the FOUR TGC members who earned ALL-AMERICAN honors from USAT for the 2013 season Jared Moore - 30-34M Jules Kariher - 40-44F Andrew Rothfeder - 45-49M Doug Jones - 55-59M It is no surprise that these are also some of the perennially-involved club members when it comes to volunteering for many of the local multisport events, toeing the line at a wide variety of local races and lending a hand at club gatherings such as Mere Mortals and the Members Only Tri. TGC is proud to have them as members of the TGC community! inkJared Moore inkDoug Jones Jules Kariher Andrew Rothfeder Link Link 2014 XTERRA Wetsuits "Test Drive" Event Date: 03/16/14 Time: 8:00am - 10:00am (following the 7:00am TGC Group ride that morning) Location: Pensacola Beach Gulfside Pavilion (adjacent to The Dock bar/restaurant, look for the TGC tent and windfeather) Who: Open to any TGC members and their guests What: XTERRA hands-on trial of wetsuits, speedsuits, transition backpacks With the 2014 triathlon season about to start are you still asking yourself... Do I need a wetsuit? What size should I purchase? What is the difference between a sleeveless and a full-length wetsuit? What is the difference between the models? Are they all $1,200? How can I expect to take the suit off so quickly when it took me ten minutes to put it on? Or, do you have any other questions about wetsuit ownership? Well then head out to the "XTERRA Wetsuit Test Drive" event TGC will be hosting on 03/16/14 (Sunday) from 8:00am to 10:00am. TGC will meet on the beach at the Gulfside Pavilion, adjacent to The Dock. XTERRA Wetsuits will be supplying the club with a variety of wetsuit/speedsuit models and sizes for members to try on, take a test swim in, etc. This will be your only chance this year to make an informed decision. Additionally, some of the trial wetsuits will be available for purchase at a deep discount. With either of these purchase methods the members of TGC can have the opportunity to get their wetsuits before the tri season begins. You will surely want a wetsuit for any of your April and May events. Bring: cap, goggles, swim attire. You may consider wearing your race kits as this is what you would be wearing under your wetsuit on raceday, so it makes sense to try these wetsuits on with your kits to make sure the fit is ideal. For those wishing to make a purchase on-site please bring your checkbook, wetsuit prices start as low as $60 and brand new transition backpacks will be selling for $40! Or, if you want to ponder the purchase a bit, you can still take advantage of club pricing by following this link: http://xterrawetsuits.com/index.php/slp/2013-CTC2 Use C-TRIGULF as your discount code at checkout when purchasing XTERRA products for significant savings on their products. Up to 60% on featured wetsuits and speedsuits! Contact: Evan Malone at [email protected] Chris Rawson at [email protected] with any questions. TGC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR THE 2014 TriGulf Coast has implemented a NEW Club Registration process. It is quick, simple, and easy. An important part is EVERYONE must renew ONLINE. NO more paper registration, waivers, or bringing your check or cash to the first Mere Mortals. TGC has selected GetMeRegistered as an online registration provider. TGC has customized the club's online registration form. And, by taking advantage of the versatility of GetMeRegistered, this will allow the club leadership to best serve you, the membership. Again, EVERYONE must register through this process. All memberships will be valid through May 31, 2015. TGC RENEWAL HERE TGC is ALWAYS looking for members who want to "give back to the sport" As we approach Mere Mortals season we are always in need of a few extra hands. We welcome club members, family, and friends to help with production of this annual event. TGC has many other opportunities to get involved, such as Youth Events and Social Events that we would embrace your helping hands, creativity, and enthusiasm. Of course, all TGC Club members are welcome to attend our Monthly Board Meetings to see just how TGC operates. Please contact Mindi Straw at [email protected] for details on any of these volunteer opportunities. Lin Team MPI Tips (by Coach John Murray) The Beach Road Cycling Option Many of us in Tri Gulf Coast enjoy riding on Pensacola Beach for a few obvious reasons. There is normally very little traffic on the beach, the scenery is beautiful and if you are training for SRITRI you are most likely training on the race course. But there are other aspects to take advantage of while training out there. 1. You can work on bike skills or pedaling drills on these flat, low traffic roads. Drills such as Isolated Leg Drill, Toe Touch Drill or High Cadence Drill can be done to improve your cycling technique. 2. Staying aero for a long time is a skill that is developed over time. For some the position is initially uncomfortable but there is ample opportunity to begin the process of getting used to it. A bike fit might be needed if you are unable to get comfortable while in your aerobars. 3. Constant pedaling. There are many stretches of road out there that will allow for an hour or more of non-stop pedaling. Find a cadence, hopefully in the 80's, that you can maintain for a long time without pausing to coast or rest. 4. Working on group riding skills and etiquette. The aim of group riding behavior is keeping all riders safe. The close proximity of each cyclist can increase the chance for a negative outcome. An explanation of expectations prior to each ride can remind riders of some of the group riding "rules". If you are a neophyte to the group riding scene, ask about how to ride in the group and the group leader or other experienced riders will be glad to help. 5. Riding a themed training session. With limited interruptions (like traffic signals or intersections) a ride with tempo sections, pick-ups, LOW BRO or steady states can be accomplished with ease. A group, with a ride leader, can get in a fantastic hour or so of varying effort levels to improve their race day performance. Suffering together makes it more fun! Certainly there are many places to ride in Northwest. Beautiful country sides, rolling hills and, of course, our scenic beaches. I encourage you to experience all of the above. But the next time you are riding on Pensacola Beach consider some of the other hidden benefits. Athlete Profile of Kristin Langston (written by Domenick Risola) Tell us about your athletic background prior to triathlon. Growing up I was always very active. I guess you could call me somewhat of a tomboy; always wanting to do what the boys were doing! At around age 9, I started recreationally playing soccer and softball, leading me to play both sports in high school. It wasn't until my senior year I began swimming as a way to stay in shape and immediately fell in love with the challenge of the sport. I can remember my first week of practice like it was yesterday...I was sore in muscles I didn't even know I had! From that point on I was hooked on swimming and went on to compete at the collegiate level.